Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Welcome to "Road MAP," the newsletter for the MCB Advising Program (MAP). Welcome back to campus! We hope everyone had a great break. If you wish to unsubscribe, please use this form.
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Welcome back!
Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a great break, got some muc- needed rest, and are ready to accomplish great things this spring.
The advising office will be open 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. During the first week of classes, it will be closed from 12 to 12:30.
Road MAP will continue on same as ever, but there is a new editor. Brad Mehrtens needed to make some room for his interim role as MCB Honors Coordinator. Congratulations, Brad! Tim Bowers has taken over the reins. Going forward, if you would like to make a submission to Road MAP, please send an email to tebowers@illinois.edu.
Express advising during the first 10 days of class
The School of MCB Advising Office in 200 Burrill Hall will hold Express Advising hours daily from the 1st day of classes through the add deadline on the 10th day. The exact daily times can be found on the advising homepage, towards the bottom in a Google Calendar. As a reminder, Express Advising is meant for quick questions that can be answered in 10 minutes or less. If more time is needed the advisor will invite you to make a full half hour appointment. Our scheduling app can be found on the advising homepage as well.
MCB HONORS CONCENTRATION INFO SESSION
Thursday, January 22
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Noyes Lab room 157
The MCB Honors Concentration is designed for exceptional students who wish to have a more in depth experience in the MCB Major. The spring application period is primarily for freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students new to the MCB major. Applications for entry to the Concentration in Fall 2026 are open now, and close February 23. Please visit https://go.mcb.illinois.edu/MCBHonors and attend the info session to learn more about this opportunity!
This research-based laboratory course will teach practical aspects of microbiology through the lens of antibiotics, specifically their origins in the soil microbiome and the parallel origin of antibiotic resistance there as well. Students will learn the basics of laboratory microbiology, as well as about the practical aspects of antimicrobial discovery and clinical antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This is a CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) class with the goal of promoting student belonging and persistence in STEM fields and it encompasses all aspects of authentic scientific research. The course is targeted at students interested in scientific research and, specifically, those interested in microbiology techniques, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, and those seeking careers where clinical antimicrobial susceptibility testing occurs.
Writers Workshop Events
Title: Writing Effective Personal Statements
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5442?eventId=33540444
Online via Zoom
Thursday, January 28 from 3-4pm
Upcoming grad school application deadlines? This presentation will review genre expectations for personal statements and provide examples from a range of disciplines. We will share strategies for drafting and tailoring your statement to each program.
Title: Writing Effective Cover Letters for Job Applications
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5442?eventId=33540447
Online via Zoom
Wednesday, February 4 from 6:30-7:30pm
This presentation will provide tips for writing concise and professional cover letters. You’ll review common structure, audience expectations, and strategies for using the cover letter to complement the resume. We encourage you to bring a current job ad and questions about your current cover-letters-in-progress!
Title: Networking & Job Search Writing
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5442?eventId=33540448
Online via Zoom
Thursday, February 5 from 6:30-7:30pm
Attending a career fair or other networking event? This workshop will provide tips for corresponding concisely and professionally in platforms like email and LinkedIn.
Title: Overcoming Writer’s Block
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5442?eventId=33540449
Online via Zoom
Wednesday, February 11 from 3-4pm
Getting started can be the hardest part of writing. Join the Writers Workshop to learn strategies for brainstorming, building momentum, time management, overcoming writer's block, and self-care in the writing process.
Title: Writing with GenAI: The Basics
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5442?eventId=33526606
Online via Zoom
Thursday, February 26 from 3-4pm
Join us for an engaging presentation exploring the profound impact of AI on your writing process, examining both its benefits and challenges. This presentation will discuss GenAI writing tools, offer strategies for different stages of the writing process, give you a chance to practice those strategies, and provide tips to ensure you're using GenAI as a supplement rather than substitute for your writing. This presentation will be most useful to early-stage students who are curious about the basics of using GenAI in academic writing.
Title: Writing Abstracts for Undergraduate Research
https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/5442?eventId=33540452
Online via Zoom
Wednesday, March 4 from 3-4pm
Not sure where to start with your abstract or how to best represent your research? The Writers Workshop will discuss components of an effective abstract, review examples across fields, and ask you to practice writing your own based on an in-session prompt. We encourage students applying to the Undergraduate Research Symposium to register for this event. The advice will also be applicable to abstracts for other conferences, class assignments, journal submissions, and more.
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH ART CONTEST
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is excited to announce the return of our annual art contest: Life Inspiring: Art from the School of MCB, a gallery of images showcasing the intersection of life sciences and art.Students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and staff are invited to submit art inspired by their scientific endeavors, whether through photography, graphic design, drawings, paintings, mixed media pictures, and other images of research.
Winning art will be framed and displayed on the first-floor hallway of Burrill Hall and may be featured in other areas of the school. Cash prizes will also be awarded.
Submit: https://go.mcb.illinois.edu/artsubmissionDeadline: Feb. 2, 2026
Questions: communications@mcb.illinois.edu
CAREER CENTER CAREER READINESS PROGRAMS
Applications for The Career Center’s Spring 2026 career readiness programs—CC-I and FOCUS—are open until February 1, 2026. Both programs offer information sessions (virtually and in-person) that we strongly recommend students attend to get a fuller understanding. Please share these opportunities with eligible students and encourage them to apply to gain valuable skills and experiences that will help them in their career development.
Career Certificate—International (CC-I): An inclusive, 10-week career development program that helps students gain higher career competence and practical skills to pursue global job and internship opportunities. The program features weekly workshops, peer mentoring, and tools to build networking, job search, and interviewing skills. Application available here. For questions or more information, please contact Dr. Shiyu Sun <shiyus2@illinois.edu>.
Four Information Sessions: Jan. 21, Jan. 23*, Jan. 26, and Jan. 29*. (* Indicates virtual session.)
FOCUS (Fostering Opportunity, Community, and Unwavering Support): An intensive, semester-long career development program designed to close gaps in post-graduation outcomes and starting salaries among first-generation students. The program aims to positively impact career trajectories, earnings potential, and long-term economic security. Application available here. For questions or more information, please contact. Grace Yun <yeyun2@illinois.edu>.
Two Information Sessions: Jan. 27* and Jan. 29. (*Indicates virtual session.)
Rehab Graduate Fair
Rehab Graduate Fairs hosts graduate education fairs to get undergraduate students into graduate programs in the rehabilitation sciences (physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, etc.).
We're having a fair on your campus and would love your help letting the students know.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday, March 24
10:00am - 2:00pm
Illini Union A/B rooms
Free to attend
Learn more & register here
Exhibiting schools include Carnegie Mellon University, Midwestern University, University of Indiana, University of Michigan, Valpo, Washington University, Western Michigan University, and more.
UCLA Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP) - Virtual
UCLA PREP is a unique non-residential program designed to provide premedical students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the means to strengthening their ability and readiness to study medicine. Full participation in the UCLA PREP program allows participants to enhance their chances of being accepted to medical school and succeeding once there. Applications due March 2nd. To learn more about the program and eligibility and to apply visit: Pre-Med | Pre-Med Enrichment Program | UCLA Medical School
Expo 27 and Beyond
Expo 27 and Beyond is designed to provide students in applied health sciences the opportunity to meet with recruiters from various graduate and professional programs. Some programs that will be represented at our event include Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Health Administration - to mention but a few.
We have reached out to major universities from the Midwest area to represent their program at our event. Furthermore, we encourage students from our university to join us via Zoom to learn more about the schools in attendance and network with professionals and peers alike. We would appreciate it if you can share this announcement with your members, newsletters, social media, and/or email platforms.
We will follow up with the flyer and link to register once those are ready, and upon hearing your response.
Currently confirmed programs include but are not limited to:
Please register using the link or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/VioYNCfpQdCUP8zKStx82g#/registration
Feel free to contact us at specpopsga@gmail.com if you have any questions and we look forward to hearing from you!
Rosalind Franklin University Latinos in the Health Professions
The faculty and staff of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) invite you, your family, and friends to join us at our virtual Latinos in the Health Professions event on Wednesday, January 28, at 6 p.m. CST. This event is part of our Health Profession Series: Voices of Practice.
This special event for prospective Latino/a/e students will be an excellent opportunity for you to connect with students, faculty, and staff. In addition, you will learn how our 30-plus graduate health professions and science programs are preparing Latino/a/e students for their future careers in the health sciences. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. Save your spot today!
Why attend Latinos in Health Professions at RFU?
Please Note: While the event content is focused on the perspectives and experiences of specific communities, all are welcome to attend.
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT NEBRASKA-LINCOLN
We are currently accepting applications for the Summer Research Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Our 10-week intensive undergraduate Summer Research Program provides a unique chance for students to delve into cutting-edge research within our state-of-the-art facilities while gaining a valuable preview of graduate school life at a Big Ten institution. The majority of our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) and Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEUs) are generously funded by organizations like the NSF or USDA NIFA, ensuring an enriching experience for participants. By joining, students not only enhance their academic resumes but also forge meaningful connections with faculty and peers. Engaging in social and professional development activities further contribute to a holistic experience, all complemented by amazing benefits.
Our summer offerings are carefully tailored to active research labs and projects led by faculty who have proven themselves as exceptional mentors for undergraduate students. Students can apply for up to three different research groups. Priority review of applications begins Sunday, February 1, and all applications are due by Sunday, March 1.
We actively encourage applications from students interested in graduate school. However, please be aware that, due to funding constraints, eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents (green card holders).
4th Annual NCSA Students Research Conference
Join NCSA students for the 4th Annual NCSA Students Research Conference on April 23, 2026, from 1:00–5:00p.m. at the NCSA, located at 1205 W Clark St, Urbana, IL 61801.Undergraduate and graduate students working with NCSA researchers or NCSA faculty affiliates are invited to register to present, along with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign students whose research is in areas of interest to NCSA. This student conference will feature oral presentations, a poster session, and the opportunity to interact with industry partners at our industry panel and dinner. Dinner is complimentary, and there is no registration fee for the conference. Register at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7097?eventId=33540095 by April 1, 2026!
Conference schedule:
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Conference Check-in, NCSA Lobby
1:00 - 1:05 p.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks by Shrikant, NCSA Director, NCSA Atrium
1:05 - 2:00 p.m. | Poster Session, NCSA Atrium
2:00 - 2:10 p.m. | Break
2:10 - 3:05 p.m. | Oral Presentations - Rooms: 2000, 2100, 3000, 3100, 4000, 4103
3:05 - 3:10 p.m. | Break
3:10 - 3:55 p.m. | Industry Panel, NCSA Auditorium
3:55 - 4:00 p.m. | Break
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Dinner and Industry Networking, NCSA Atrium
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Olena Kindratenko, M.S., M.Ed.
Assistant Director for Research & Education
217-300-0247 | kindrat2@illinois.edu
National Center for Supercomputing Applications
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Program Ten Week Program - May 24 – July 31, 2026
Program Description: The UMass Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a non-credit, ten-week, structured research experience. The program consists of "hands-on" laboratory research with an investigator serving as a mentor, role model, and advisor.
Goals: The program is designed to provide participants with in-depth exposure to biomedical research. Participants will develop career-building connections with faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and peers. The program encourages participants to consider biomedical research as a viable career choice.
Why should I apply?
How to apply
Use the link here to apply now. The SURP online application must include the following uploaded documents:
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Outreach Programs
Office: 508-856-2444
www.umassmed.edu/summer
SUMMER 2026 SCHOOL OF MCB SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
Each Summer, MCB is able to award a number of Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs) ranging from $4000 to $6000 thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends. Continuing undergraduate students interested in applying for a SURF through the School of MCB, Departments of Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology and Microbiology, should apply using the common application form, which is now open. The deadline for submission is 5:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2025. No late submissions will be accepted. Students may be eligible for multiple fellowships, but each student may accept only one. Basic eligibility requirements can be found on our website.
Applicants will be reviewed for all fellowships for which they are eligible.
Students currently receiving financial aid or other scholarships should be sure to check with a financial aid officer to understand how accepting a fellowship might affect other awards.
For more information on the fellowship and application requirements visit our website.
Vanderbilt University NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
I am reaching out to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the summer 2026 NSF REU program in Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at Vanderbilt University. The application deadline is February 15th. The Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) focuses on interdisciplinary nanoscale research at the interface of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. More than 45 faculty participants from the School of Engineering, College of Arts and Science, and the School of Medicine inspire students by creating an atmosphere of excitement and creativity. Each REU participant will work directly with VINSE faculty members and their research groups and be part of the larger VINSE community.
The VINSE REU has a record of success, >95% of former VINSE NSF REU students either attend graduate school or are employed in STEM-related fields. Many have received several awards and honors including:
PROGRAM INCLUDES
ELIGIBILITY
AWARD
We want to make this opportunity available to your students at all stages of their undergraduate careers and from all institutions, including community colleges. We would appreciate it if you would forward them this information.
VINSE REU Admissions Team
vinse@vanderbilt.edu
vu.edu/vinse-reu
Summer research internship program for Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Applications are open for the 2026 summer lab internships offered through Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University (SIU). Paid positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to undergraduate students who plan to pursue careers in medicine or research with a focus on cancer. Applications will be accepted through February 16. More information can be found here.
Conversations to Remember
Conversations to Remember, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated towards combating loneliness and isolation felt by senior citizens, including those living with dementia. We are reaching out to share our volunteering opportunity with your undergraduate students. Our virtual visit program matches teams 2-3 young adult college students with older adults for weekly virtual video visits. Many of these older adults have been suffering from isolation, and your students could really brighten their days just by speaking with them. Students on our virtual visits initially volunteer one hour per week, and each call lasts up to one hour, based on the senior's attention span and mood on each day. Students select the times that work for their schedule, and are matched with older adults for calls based on the times when they're available. They then have regular, weekly appointments for their visits. We expect students to volunteer for at least 16 weeks, so that they can develop friendships with the senior they're matched with. We provide training (mandatory) to all the students in our program about the best ways to interact with the older adults on our video calls, as well as additional regular support throughout their service. Since the visits are virtual, your students can do it without any travel. This is both convenient, and a better use of their time, rather than commuting to their volunteering location. This program is free for seniors and students across the country. Volunteering does not need to coincide with the start of a semester, as we have new virtual visits starting all the time. Students wishing for opportunities to support our cause who don't want to participate in the virtual visits or who want to volunteer more hours can be accommodated with other volunteering options, such as assisting us with our social media, call support, outreach, or more. Current volunteering roles are listed on our website here. We often receive requests to include our virtual visits as possible options for service learning, internships, practicums, class projects, or extra credit. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO THIS. If you are considering this, please refer to this webpage for more information. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you have about the program, or look through our website, https://conversationstoremember.org. Your students can register to volunteer by filling out a volunteer interest form on our website. We hope that you will share this flyer with your students so that they will know about our organization and the meaningful opportunities.We hope that our cause will resonate with your young adult students, and welcome them to volunteer with us to build intergenerational relationships with older adults. Regards,Riley -------------------------- Riley Cleveland Conversations to Remember A 501(c)(3) nonprofit combating isolation in older adults Telephone: 862-243-5331 www.ConversationsToRemember.org Unsubscribe to no longer receive emails from us. |
MARINE PHYSICAL LABORATORY AT SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY
The Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) at the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is now seeking curious, motivated undergraduates with strong quantitative skills to apply for the 2026 MPL Summer Internship Program.
This paid, eight-week research program provides students the opportunity to work on their own individual research project under the guidance of leading scientists in the field. Interns also participate in weekly seminars, hands-on activities, and professional development events. Participants receive an hourly wage of $18.25.
Research areas include:
Eligibility
Application Procedure
To learn more and apply, please visit: mpl.ucsd.edu/internships.
Applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026, at midnight Pacific Time.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of April.
UC San Diego is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
Contact
For questions, please email: <mpl-internship@ucsd.edu>.
Follow Us:
Instagram: @mplinternship
Threads: @mplinternship
Twitter/X: @mplsummerintern
RA opportunity at MIT
My name is Linlin Fan and I am an Assistant Professor at MIT in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. I was wondering if you could help spread the word on the following job opportunities (see below) to the undergraduate listserv. It'd be great to have some undergraduates from UIUC join us. We are excited to mentor and help undergraduates gain research skills for competitive graduate programs.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Linlin
MCKINLEY SPECIAL POPULATIONS "EXPO 27 & BEYOND"
McKinley Health Center’s Special Populations Health Education Program at the University of Illinois will be hosting a virtual event, called “Expo 27 & Beyond” on February 26th from 3pm to 5pm. The program, Expo 27 and Beyond is designed to provide students in applied health sciences the opportunity to meet with recruiters from various graduate and professional programs. Some programs that will be represented at our event include Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Health Administration - to mention but a few. Save the date--more information will be included when available.
UK SUMMER FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION SESSIONS
The UK Summer Fulbright Scholarship fully funds a 3-4 week course at one of several Fulbright UK Summer Institutes at universities across the United Kingdom. The UK Summer Fulbright is wonderful opportunity for freshmen and sophomores!
Eligibility
Freshmen and sophomores who are U.S. citizens, have a minimum GPA of 3.6, and have had no or very little travel/study experience outside of North America are eligible to apply.
The UK Fulbright Commission seeks mature, responsible, open-minded students who demonstrate an academic fit between their chosen institute and their own background. They select students who are involved on and off campus and have the desire to act as ambassadors between U.S. and the UK. The 2026 summer institutes include:
Get tips about applying here!
Deadline
The final deadline is February 2, 2026.
Application Preparation
If you are interested in applying, please attend our upcoming informational session:
ONLINE UK Summer Fulbright Scholarship Information Session
Friday, January 9, 3:30-4:30 pm
Register in advance for this Zoom session.
For more information, contact the scholarships office at <topscholars@illinois.edu> or visit our website at topscholars.illinois.edu.